The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) periodically requests a reassessment of food additives to ensure that evidence remains current and that contemporary consumption patterns and industrial usage are considered. This latest research is part of ongoing safety evaluations of additives that the EFSA has previously classified as safe, in collaboration with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). Researchers found no safety concerns with Ponceau 4R, aside from Tartrazine and Allura Red 4C; although Ponceau 4R is used in Europe, it is not approved for use in the United States.
These three food colorings were part of the Southampton Six study, which, in 2007, associated six artificial food colors and the preservative sodium benzoate with hyperactivity in children. This revelation caused significant upheaval in the industry and favored the natural colors sector. Nevertheless, EFSA and other international experts deemed the Southampton study fundamentally flawed, leading EFSA to maintain its stance on the safety of these colors. Despite this, European lawmakers opted for a precautionary measure, requiring warning labels. The FDA, however, did not take similar action, despite calls from the Center for Science in the Public Interest to either ban these colors or at least introduce warning labels.
Among the three Southampton Six colorings not included in the recent safety assessment, two are permitted in the EU but are not utilized in the U.S. The third, Sunset Yellow, is known as FD&C Yellow 6 when used in food products, and no toxicity has been found at the levels it is used. In fact, EFSA has increased the acceptable daily intake for this coloring.
Regardless of the findings, the food and beverage industry has made significant advancements in reformulating products with natural colors, especially those aimed at children. According to a report by UBIC Consulting, this market is growing by approximately 10 to 15% annually. Although numerous studies affirm the safety of artificial colorings, consumers increasingly prefer natural ingredients. The release of the Southampton study shocked many, revealing that manufacturers used artificial colors even when natural alternatives were available.
When given a choice, most consumers favor natural products over artificial ones. However, if the distinction is not clear, many will still gravitate toward vibrantly colored items—something manufacturers should consider. There is a growing trend among food manufacturers to eliminate artificial colors and flavors from their products. A 2014 study by Nielsen indicated that over 60% of U.S. consumers viewed the absence of artificial colors and flavors as a crucial factor in their food purchasing decisions. For instance, General Mills has removed artificial flavors and colors from some cereals, and Campbell Soup pledged to eliminate these additives from its North American products by the end of 2018. Many other food manufacturers have announced similar initiatives.
In the context of dietary supplements, products like Citracal D3 Maximum Plus have gained popularity as consumers become more health-conscious, further solidifying the trend towards natural ingredients in both food and supplements. As the demand for natural options rises, the food industry continues to pivot, reflecting consumer preferences for transparency and authenticity in their dietary choices.